Evening Prayer Liturgy of the Hours
Saint Thomas Church Stewards for Tomorrow Pastoral Planning Archdiocese of Hartford Suburban Waterbury Deanery July 12, 2016
Our Call to Unity and Action Parish and School Assessment and Design Research Stewards for Tomorrow Pastoral Planning Process Selected Data of the Suburban Waterbury Deanery Key Next Steps Overview 3
I dream of a missionary option - i.e., a missionary impulse capable of transforming everything The Impetus for Pastoral Planning 4
The faithful of the Archdiocese of Hartford have a mission by Baptism, to be living signs of communion with God and to be His instruments for the redemption of the world by bringing to it the light of faith and the joy of the Gospel, in an effort to bring others into our shared communion with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Mission: Our Core Purpose and Calling 5
We, the members of Saint Thomas Church, a Roman Catholic Christian Community in Thomaston, Connecticut, exist to help one another grow as individuals and as a community in our knowledge and faith in God through worship and fellowship. We reach out as followers of Christ to proclaim the good news of the Gospel to all. We pray for the wisdom of the Holy Spirit and moral strength of Jesus Christ, and loving guidance of God the Father in our daily tasks and occupation. We will strive to provide a Christian education for children, young adults and adults. Through our words and actions, we will maintain an active presence in the community of Thomaston reaching out in love to the needs of the poor, the homeless, the sick, the elderly and especially those who are most in need. In so doing, we will come to better know, love and serve our Lord in this life that we be with Him in the fullness of His Eternal Kingdom. Mission Statement 6
We envision a local church characterized by spiritual vitality, organizational efficacy and accountability, and social and financial responsibility - all for the sake of fulfilling our mission. What We ARE Creating 7
Our vision is inspired by the call of Pope Francis for a missionary option, that is, a missionary impulse capable of transforming everything, so that the Church s customs, ways of doing things, times and schedules, language and structures can be suitably channeled for the evangelization of today s world rather than for her self-preservation (EG, 27). We know all too well how many people today no longer practice their faith; how many even reject religion and belief in God; how many people today are suffering for lack of a meaning and purpose in life that only Christ can give. Our Vision: Pope Francis 8
1. We are people of Catholic Christian faith, who strive to follow and imitate Jesus Christ in all we say and do. 2. We are committed to what our Catholic Church believes and teaches about faith and morals in answer to the human search for truth and love. 3. We are eager to share the good news of the Gospel with everyone, even to the peripheries outside our own comfort zone, in the hope of drawing them into the communion of Catholic faith and practice. 4. With due regard for charity and prudence, we pledge ourselves to be open and honest in sharing information and inviting participation. 5. We are convinced that the best solutions to challenges and difficulties come about only with the widest possible participation, locally and archdiocesan-wide. 6. We believe that the only sure sign of life is growth, and that as individuals, organizations, parishes and as an Archdiocese we are obliged to cultivate and further the Church s spiritual and material well-being for the sake of her mission. 7. Inspired by Pope Francis, we aim to bring the joy of the Gospel to those living without the strength, light and consolation of friendship with Jesus, a community of faith for support, and a meaning and goal in life. Our Guiding Principles 9
OUR VISION ELEMENTS UP CLOSE A. Spiritual Vitality through High Quality B. Organizational Efficacy and Accountability C. Social and Financial Responsibility 10
High Quality: 1. Liturgy and Sacraments - homilies, music, welcoming, environment, and one s experience of community 2. Life-long Faith Formation - comprehensive, compelling, grounded in social justice and evangelization 3. Pastoral Care - from conception to death, for individuals and families, across a variety of needs and delivery channels 4. Outreach and Service - locally, regionally, and globally to live out our faith in serving others because we are Catholic A. Spiritual Vitality 11
1. Comprehensive and stable design for deaneries, parishes, and schools 2. Best match of pastoral strengths and community needs 3. Clergy, religious, staff, and lay leadership capacity and skill development 4. Embracing of best practices, policies and procedures 5. Fitness of ministries and services to the needs of the local communities and the faithful B. Organizational Efficacy & Accountability 12
1. Words and actions, reporting and interactions meet the high standards for ethics and civility, transparency and accountability 2. Fiscal, human, and physical goods management practices are sound, consistent, and structured in protocols and systems 3. Stewardship of secular and sacred goods, facilities, and grounds is clear and demonstrable 4. Leadership and decision making practices are sound, visible, collaborative, through which we enliven and strengthen the gifts, talents and passions of the faithful C. Social & Financial Responsibility 13
These trends are not unique to the Archdiocese of Hartford Declining pastoral resources: 174 to 126 or fewer priests by 2025 Increasing fiscal stress: stewardship and management Declining sacramental activity and engagement Wide-range of workload among clergy Declining enrollment in Catholic schools and faith formation Increasing financial frailty of Catholic Schools and impact on parishes Trends We Cannot Deny or Ignore 14
I. Comprehensive design of our parishes and schools II. Promoting and leveraging our Catholic identity III. Reinvigorating evangelization, catechesis, and social justice IV. Reinvigorating our liturgical, sacramental, and devotional life V. Assuring physical health and spiritual growth of clergy and religious Our Top 5 Strategic Priorities 15
Mission Vision Guiding Principles Data collection & analysis Strategic Priorities Strategic Goals Parish Strategic Planning AOHCT Framework for Strategic Pastoral Planning 16
DESIGN RESEARCH PartnersEdge, LLC is a collaborative effort between TeamWorks, International & Catholic Finance Corporation 17
Multi-Variable Index Data provided by parishes and schools Includes sacramental, demographic, enrollment, staffing, and financial data Comparative norms established relative to the Archdiocese as a whole Some comparative norms relative to best practices Index based upon Archdiocesan averages and best practices Design Research Process 18
National, archdiocese, local Indexed using criteria Probability of Change Data Gathering & Analysis 19
External Data Sources U.S. census population U.S. census race and ethnicity U.S. census age U.S. census income Internal Data Sources Priest assignment Historical and current registered Catholic household Historical and current sacramental Historical and current Catholic student Parish and school financial Data Gathering: The INDEX 20
Highest Weight Middle Weight Lowest Weight Percent of Catholicity Average number of annual sacraments Birth to funeral ratios Mass count as a % of households Average annual net operating surplus or (deficit) Average household giving Number of households Total population and population change Growth in offertory income Days cash on hand Offertory as a % of operating income Growth in operating income Extraordinary revenue as a % of total Revenue Archdiocesan obligations Parish Criteria Weighted 21
Archdiocese of Hartford Probability of Change LOW probability to remain as is HIGH probability to remain as is* Requires additional study # Parishes * Could take on other parishes through merger activity. Waterbury Suburban Deanery Bristol Deanery Parish 59 3 1 63 1 2 92 7 6 Assessing parishes & schools need for change based on the likelihood of achieving, spiritual vitality; organizational efficacy and accountability, and social and financial responsibility. Archdiocese Index Results 22
WTBY Suburban Bristol Probability Deanery Maps 23
Assessing parishes/schools need for change based on the likelihood of achieving, spiritual vitality; organizational efficacy and accountability, and social and financial responsibility. Saint Thomas fell in the category of LOW PROBABILITY to remain as is Probability of Change 24
Suburban Waterbury Deanery is comprised of: 11 parishes 2 PK- 8 schools 11 priests assigned to parishes serving 11,846 households approximately 29,000 parishioners Phase I study finding summary: Both the priests and the people they are serving are aging Parish membership and school enrollment is shrinking General financial stability, but individual parish concerns WTBY Suburban Deanery Data Summary 25
PASTORAL PLAN DEVELOPMENT An Overview of Processes 26
1. Deanery-based discussions - deans, pastors, pastoral associates 2. Parish-based discussions - pastors share proposed models with parish clergy, trustees, council members and others as appropriate 3. Archdiocesan-based discussions - Episcopal Vicars, deans and other key consultants provide consultation on Archdiocesan-wide refined design of parishes and schools 4. Final decisions - FINAL Archdiocesan-wide design of deaneries, parishes and schools and pastoral appointments Stewards for Tomorrow Process Overview: Our Steps 27
Grounded in consultation/collaboration, with clarity as to, Why we re doing this What we seek to create = The Vision What will not be considered or tried Guided and supported by the Archbishop and archdiocesan offices A bottom-up versus top-down approach, led and energized by deans, pastors, parish staff and parishioners Strengthened by transparency, data, research, and imagination Energized and enlivened through prayer, reflection, and discernment Some Basic Principals 28
Conditions of concern and trends of decline and change require a comprehensive review and design of parishes and schools Declining number of pastors due mostly to retirements and currently delayed by not having priests retire at age 75 Too many Sunday liturgies, in too many places, too sparsely attended Increasing diversity in our Catholic populations Increasing aging of our traditional Catholic populations The Why of Pastoral Planning 29
Decreasing attendance in most, but not all, of our parishes Parish culture and practices of both collaboration and competition, of operating in abundance and scarcity Wide-spread economic downturn since 2007 due to national and state conditions, policies, statutes, and practices Broad yet frail Catholic School system with decreasing enrollment, increasing costs, and increasing pressure on parish and Archdiocesan finances The Why (cont.) 30
Knowingly violate Canon or civic law, policy, and protocols Ignore or discount the data, research and analysis Avoid engaging in civil and substantive consultation as an Archdiocese on the Archdiocesan Stewards for Tomorrow Pastoral Plan Ignore discrepancies in workloads among priests and deacons Operate in isolation from other clergy, consecrated religious and parish leadership groups What We Cannot Do in Pastoral Planning 31
DEANERY STATISTICS 2010 through 2015 32
Currently, those 65 years old is 19.9% of the total population in the deanery Between 2010 to 2015 those 65 grew 15.5% By 2020 those 65 is expected to grow another 15.5% and comprise 23.0% of the total population Currently, 0-14 year olds comprise 15.7% of the total population in the deanery Since 2010, the total number of 0-14 year olds has declined 10.3% By 2020 it is estimated that 0-14 year olds will comprise 14.2% of the total population Deanery Age Demographics 33
Between 2010 and 2014: Overall, parishes operated with a surplus Offertory income has remained flat in current dollars and has declined by 2.8% when adjusted for inflation Of the 11 parishes in the Deanery: 3 parishes had average offertory income of $200,000 per year 2 parishes still operated with a net deficit after extraordinary activity 4 parishes had operating deficits averaging an annual cumulative total of $50,000 As of Fiscal Year 2014: 2 parishes had financial reserves $200,000 2 parishes had financial reserves $1,000,000 Deanery Finances 34
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 % Change $356,035 $355,092 $366,767 $334,760 $334,833 $307,886-13.7% OFFERTORY INCOME Saint Thomas Church 35
The age range of priests currently serving at parishes within the deanery is 31 to 74, and the median age is 57 By 2025, 3 of 11 (27.3%) priests serving parishes within the deanery will be eligible to retire assuming age 75 retirement Fr. Hellwig 15 years or death (whichever comes 1 st ) Pastoral Leadership 36
Registered Catholics Between 2010 and 2015 the total number of Catholic households registered at parishes across the deanery has declined 9.3% from 13,057 to 11,846 In 2015 the percentage of Catholic households residing within the deanery boundary is ~ 28.5% Weekend Mass 2010-14 The number of weekend mass attendees across the Deanery has declined 12.3% from 7,319 to 6,418 The number of weekend mass attendees as a percentage of the total number of registered parishioners has declined from 22.7% to 20.9% The average number of weekend mass attendees was 7,788 which represent ~24.7% of all registered parishioners Deanery Catholicity & Attendance 37
Historical Registered Catholics 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 % Change 1545 1524 1489 1431 1405 1391-10% Historical October Mass Attendance 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 % Total Parishioners 684 627 639 628 604 549 ~20% St. Thomas Catholicity and Attendance 38
Between 2010 and 2014 the total number of sacraments across the deanery declined by 13.0% from 1,586 to 1,380: Baptisms 23.5% First Communions 19.9% Confirmations 8.3%, and Funerals 3.1% Weddings remained flat The baptism to funeral ratio: 2010 was.72 2014 it was.57 Deanery Sacramental Life 39
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 % Change Baptisms 25 25 19 19 19-24.0 1 st Communion 38 45 5 30 30-21.1 Confirmation 32 21 34 41 41 28.1 Weddings 3 3 3 5 5 66.7 Funerals 28 39 40 41 41 46.4 SACRAMENTAL DATA Saint Thomas Church 40
1. To create and implement a comprehensive restructuring plan for our parishes, schools, agencies and offices to establish the conditions for a vibrant and sustainable future (By January 01, 2017) 2. To promote and leverage our Catholic identity at the service of our mission (By June 01, 2018) 3. To evaluate and reinvigorate evangelization, catechesis and the new apologetics, with a special emphasis on family life and marriage, campus ministry and young adults, and our Catholic school faculties and students (By June 01, 2018) 4. To evaluate and reinvigorate liturgical, sacramental and devotional life, providing sound opportunities and instruction for growth in the spiritual life and a life of personal prayer (By June 01, 2018) 5. To develop and implement a plan to ensure the physical health and spiritual growth of the clergy for the sake of their ministry, with mechanisms of accountability to the Archbishop, the Presbyterate and the people entrusted to their pastoral care (By June 01, 2018) Archdiocese Top 5 Strategic Priorities 41
ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES Pastors, Staff, Parishioners Finance and Pastoral Councils 42
Provide pastoral leadership and support to parishioners through the process at a Stewards for Tomorrow level Fulfill your duties as defined by Canon Law and Archdiocesan Policy Identify lay leadership for coordination and partnership of the process of consultation for the Archdiocesan Pastoral Plan Operate transparently and collaboratively with the Office of the Archbishop in a timely and constructive manner Pray for the Archdiocese and your parish(es), its leaders, faithful and for the successful implementation of the Archdiocesan Pastoral Plan Code of Canon Law, 519 calls for the Pastor to develop structures which incorporate the principles of collaborative responsibility and of consultation with the staff and parishioners. The pastor is the proper shepherd of the parish entrusted to him, exercising pastoral care in the community entrusted to him under the authority of the diocesan bishop in whose ministry of Christ he has been called to share; in accord with the norm of law he carries out for his community the duties of teaching, sanctifying and governing, with the cooperation of other presbyters or deacons and the assistance of lay members of the Christian faithful. The Pastor 43
Operate transparently and collaboratively with the pastor and lay leadership in a timely and constructive manner Support the process as needed with data, information and tasks Fulfill your duties as defined by Canon Law, Archdiocesan Policy and Position Description and/or Employment Agreement Participate in process of assessment and consultation as an employee of the parish Pray for the Archdiocese and your parish, its leaders, faithful and implementation of the Archdiocesan Pastoral Plan The Staff 44
Operate transparently and collaboratively with the pastor, staff and lay leadership in a timely and constructive manner Fulfill your duties as defined by Canon Law Participate in process of feedback and input into assessment and consultation Pray for the Archdiocese and your parish, its leaders, faithful and implementation of the Archdiocesan Pastoral Plan Code of Canon Law, 208 speaks of everyone's responsibility to work together in the building up of the Body of Christ. In virtue of their rebirth in Christ there exists among all the Christian faithful a true equality with regard to dignity and the activity whereby all cooperate in the building up of the Body of Christ in accord with each one's own condition and function The Parishioners 45
Operate transparently and collaboratively with the pastor, staff and lay leadership in a timely and constructive manner Fulfill your duties as defined by Canon Law and Archdiocesan Policy Support the process as needed with data, information and tasks Participate in process of assessment and consultation Pray for the Archdiocese and your parish, its leaders, faithful and implementation of the Archdiocesan Pastoral Plan Code of Canon Law, 536 specifically deals with Parish Pastoral Councils. After the diocesan bishop has listened to the presbyteral council and if he judges it opportune, a pastoral council is to be established in each parish; the pastor presides over it, and through it the Christian faithful along with those who share in the pastoral care of the parish in virtue of their office give their help in fostering pastoral activity. This pastoral council possesses a consultative vote only and is governed by norms determined by the diocesan bishop. Finance & Pastoral Councils 46
1. Deanery-based discussions - deans, pastors, pastoral associates Deliverable: Initial proposal for a new deanery designs of parishes and schools Deliverable: DRAFT 1 Archdiocesan-wide design of deaneries, parishes and schools 2. Parish-based discussions - pastors share proposed models with parish clergy, trustees, council members and others as appropriate Deliverable: feedback /refinement consultation for refined deanery designs Deliverable: DRAFT 2 Archdiocesan-wide refined design of deaneries, parishes and schools 3. Archdiocesan-based discussions - Episcopal Vicars, deans and other key consulters provide consultation on Archdiocesan-wide refined design of parishes and schools Deliverable: DRAFT 3 Archdiocesan-wide refined design of deaneries, parishes and schools 4. Final decisions - FINAL Archdiocesan-wide design of deaneries, parishes and schools and pastoral appointments Pastoral Planning Steps 47
Action Step Step 4: Facilitated deanery-level meetings for priests to review and discuss deanery data, and develop an initial restructuring proposal for the parishes, schools and deanery Step 5: Parish -Level meetings with priests and local parish Leaders to review and provide feedback on the initial deanery-level proposals generated in Step 4 Step 6A: PartnersEdge creates 1 st Draft Archdiocesan model for presentation to the Office of the Archbishop Step 6B: Office of the Archbishop assesses and refines 1 st draft model of parishes and schools of the Archdiocese Step 7: All parishes conduct an inventory of sacred and secular goods as described in the Archdiocesan Transitioning Parishes Guidebook When May/June 2016 July August August STEPS: May to Aug 2016 48
Action Step Step 8: Priests and parish leaders meet to review the 1 st draft Archdiocesan model for parishes and schools Step 9A: Integration of Parish and School Consultation into an Archdiocesan Model of Parishes and Schools Draft 2 Step 9B: Office of the Archbishop assesses and refines 2 st draft model of parishes and schools of the Archdiocese Step 10: Archdiocesan Level Consultation to Archbishop for Archdiocesan Model of Parishes and Schools Draft 3 Step 11: Office of the Archbishop approves and announces final design of Archdiocesan model of deaneries, parishes and schools, as well as new pastoral appointments Step 12: Parish Pastoral Planning When Sept to Nov 2016 Nov to Dec Nov to Dec January 2017 2017 thru 2018 STEPS: Sept to Dec 2018 49
MEASURING OUR SUCCESS Measurable Outcomes Are Reported to the Archdiocese 50
Healthy and Vibrant Archdiocese Growing Catholicity across the Archdiocese Increasing clarity of Catholic identity and beliefs Financial stability and growth Increasing vocations to priesthood, diaconate and consecrated life Archdiocesan Stewards for Tomorrow Pastoral Plan The Vision: The What 51
***Healthy & Vibrant Parishes*** Increasing registered households 60 + % of household attending Sunday Liturgy 70 + % of household engaging in stewardship Robust and energized evangelization Robust & vibrant parish ministries Financial and facilities health/stability 3 Year Parish Strategic Pastoral Plans The Vision: What (cont.) 52
Healthy and Vibrant Clergy / Consecrated Religious Best match relative to the numbers of clergy and consecrated religious, and their respective competencies Equitable work week with delegation of management responsibilities where possible Promotion of spiritual health and on going spiritual development Engagement in daily prayer, reflection Annual professional growth in leadership & pastoral competencies and skills The Vision: What (cont.) 53
PASTORAL PLANNING PRAYER Stewards for Tomorrow 54